The anticipation is palpable for the 55 England players initially considered for the World Cup squad. As the final 26-man selection approaches, players await the call that will determine their fate – a journey to the US, Canada, and Mexico, or staying home. This moment brings a mix of elation for those who make the cut and despair for those who miss out. BBC pundits Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Theo Walcott, and Stephen Warnock share their personal experiences of receiving these life-changing calls before major tournaments. Martin Keown also recounts the dramatic aftermath of a famous omission.
Micah Richards – ‘I just wanted to cry’
In May 2012, after Manchester City’s Premier League triumph, Micah Richards expected a call for England’s European Championship squad. Having played regularly for City and with a rival injured, he felt confident. However, it was Stuart Pearce, not Roy Hodgson, who delivered the news: “Hodgson’s not going to pick you.” Richards was devastated. He was offered a standby spot for England or a place in Pearce’s London Olympics squad. He chose the Olympics, feeling more appreciated there. This decision was misconstrued by the press as him “saying no to England,” especially when another player, not on standby, was called up after an injury. Richards felt “so low” and hurt by the public perception. This marked the end of his international career, finishing with 13 caps instead of the 70-80 he once envisioned.
Stephen Warnock – A Surprise Call for South Africa
For the 2010 World Cup, the battle for Ashley Cole’s understudy came down to Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock. Warnock, recovering from an ankle injury, worked tirelessly during the training camp despite not playing in warm-up games. He didn’t expect to go. The call came from Fabio Capello’s assistant, Franco Baldini, who praised Warnock’s attitude and professionalism, telling him, “we think you’re the perfect back-up to him.” Warnock was “in a bit of shock” but accepted his role. A day before the official announcement, England kit manufacturer Umbro had already hinted at his selection by painting his shirt number in his hometown, a detail Warnock only discovered later. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, viewing it as a “front-row seat to the biggest tournament.”
Joe Hart – Unexpected Omission in 2018
Despite being England’s most experienced player with 75 caps and playing all 10 qualifying games for the 2018 World Cup, Joe Hart faced an unexpected omission. Gareth Southgate called him the day before the squad announcement to inform him that Nick Pope, with zero caps, would be chosen instead. Hart, who had been “packed and ready to go,” was told to “stand down.” This was a significant blow, marking the end of his international career after participating in four previous major tournaments. Though deeply hurt, Hart supported the team from home, encouraging his loved ones to do the same.
Theo Walcott – From Shock Inclusion to Disappointment
Theo Walcott’s first World Cup experience in 2006 was a shock inclusion at just 17, selected by Sven-Goran Eriksson despite no Premier League appearances. He learned of his selection from his father after taking a driving theory test, initially disbelieving the news. Four years later, for the 2010 World Cup, Walcott was a key player and widely expected to be selected. However, while playing golf, he received a call from Fabio Capello directly: “I’m sorry. I’m not going to bring you to South Africa.” Walcott described it as his “biggest disappointment yet,” admitting he “had a tear” before remarkably playing “the best golf ever” afterwards.
Martin Keown and Paul Gascoigne – The Face-to-Face Fallout
Glenn Hoddle’s decision to deliver bad news in person before the 1998 World Cup famously backfired. Players had individual appointments to learn their fate. Paul Gascoigne, upon learning he was omitted, reacted furiously, “smashing the furniture up in Hoddle’s room.” He described going “mad, berserk,” feeling “injustice” and being “out of control.” Martin Keown, who made the squad, entered Hoddle’s room minutes later to find it in disarray, unaware of the dramatic scene that had just unfolded. This incident raised questions about whether a phone call might be a less confrontational way to deliver such news.
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